- Sensormatic’s cutting-edge technology enhances efficiency and inventory management, boosting efficiency and eliminated shipping errors
- Brooks is a 2025 RFID Journal Awards finalists for Best Supply Chain/Logistics Implementation
The retail industry is undergoing a transformative shift with the integration of advanced technologies to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. Case in point is Brooks’ Running shoes and sportswear.
Brooks’ management said this was a technological leap for the company. Adopting its own central Audit Hub server, the company installed sensors for the RFID system developed by Sensormatic.
“This innovative solution not only promises to revolutionize inventory management but also offers numerous benefits that cater to the dynamic needs of modern retailing,” said Brooks’ director of distribution Stephen LeClerc.
Brooks took an approach that innovative technology will provide a competitive advantage according to the management of its stores. The company needed to have universal control of its rapidly moving inventory, said Sensormatic’s SVP Umesh Coodvalli, who started working with Brooks when the retailer began exploring RFID.
Creating the Audit Hub and RFID System
As a leader in retail technology solutions, Sensormatic designed the software platform the Audit Hub and RFID system to address common challenges faced by retailers. Stores need real-time data about the goods in their stores.
The Audit Hub leverages data collected about the inventory from RFID tagged products while the Audit Hub processes the data from tag reads during store operations. Each tag read captures the identity of the products for sale on hand at the store.
Key Features of the Audit Hub and RFID System
With the solution, Brooks has a view into each pair of shoes for sale in their stores. Audit Hub acts as a centralized platform where all the information is aggregated, analyzed and presented in an easy-to-understand format, said LeClerc.
With real time inventory track, this is what Brooks calls its standout feature to provide an immediate view into inventory levels. Retailers can monitor stock availability, movement, and accomplish location effortlessly, ensuring that shelves are always stocked with the right products. Store staff-members don’t need to carry RFID readers to count inventory, LeClerc said.
Traditional inventory management methods often led to discrepancies due to manual errors, LeClerc said. The automatic reads of RFID tags eliminates inconsistencies by automating data collection, resulting in precise inventory records.
According to Brooks’ officials, technology streamlined various processes such as stocktaking, replenishment and order fulfillment. Retail staff can save time and effort, allowing them to focus on customer service and other value-added activities. The Audit Hub aggregates data from RFID tags, providing valuable insights into inventory turnover, sales trends, and customer preferences, allowing retailers to make informed decisions based on accurate data, optimizing their operations.
Brooks’ Journey to Innovation
The running shoe company has always been at the forefront of adopting innovative solutions to enhance its retail operations. The decision to implement Audit Hub and an RFID system was driven by the need to address several challenges faced by the company.
Brooks products are in popular demand and tracking inventory mismanagement, stockouts, and inefficient processes have been creating challenges, hampering the overall customer experience and profitability, LeClerc said.
Implementation of the system at Brooks’s stores followed a structured approach. Sensormatic’s team conducted a comprehensive assessment of the retailer’s operations, identifying areas where RFID technology could bring the most significant benefits. Customized RFID tags were then attached to each item in the inventory, and the Audit Hub was set up to aggregate and analyze the data.
Planning
Sensormatic provided training to Brooks’ sales associates ensuring they were well-versed in using the Audit Hub and the RFID system. This hands-on training covered aspects such as tagging items, using the Audit Hub interface, and interpreting data generated. Continuous support was offered to address any challenges that might arise during the initial stages of implementation.
Since the deployment, Brooks’ Sportswear has witnessed several positive changes in its operations:
- Enhanced Inventory Accuracy: Officials noted accurate real-time tracking of inventory has minimized discrepancies, ensuring that the right products are available to customers when needed.
- Reduced Stockouts: The system’s ability to monitor stock levels in real-time has helped prevent stockouts, leading to better customer satisfaction and increased sales.
- Optimized Staff Efficiency: Retail staff can now focus on customer service and other critical tasks, as the system automates routine inventory management processes.
- Data-Driven Strategies: The insights provided by the Audit Hub have enabled Brooks to develop data-driven strategies for inventory optimization, sales forecasting, and merchandising.
Visibility Into Inventory
The successful implementation of Sensormatic’s Audit Hub and RFID system at Brooks Menswear is a testament to the transformative power of technology in the retail industry, stated LeClerc. By addressing inventory management challenges and enhancing operational efficiency, this innovative solution has set a new benchmark for modern retailing.
Sensormatic’s Cooduvalli believes as more retailers recognize the benefits of RFID technology, the future of retail promises to be more efficient, accurate, and customer-centric.
“Brooks sportswear’s journey serves as an example of how embracing technology can lead to sustainable growth and success in a competitive landscape. They are proving its forward-looking approach toward innovation can be successful,” said Cooduvalli.